Availability of Electric Brake Assemblies for Boat Trailer

Question:

Do you have an Electric Brake Assembly for boat trailers? Im concerned about getting them wet, unless they can handle it

asked by: Robert B

Helpful Expert Reply:

In the past it was not typically recommended to use electric brake assemblies on a boat trailer, simply because of the issues that could arise from mixing water and electricity. However, more and more people (along with trailer manufacturers) are starting to use electric brakes for this application. This is mostly due to improvements in wiring insulation and heat shrink connectors.

On boat trailers with electric brakes, it is still recommended to disconnect the trailer wiring from the tow vehicle before backing into the water. I do also recommend using heat shrink butt connectors like # DW05745-10 when splicing your wires together.

There isn't a particular electric brake kit that will work better for your boat trailer. You will just need to find assemblies that match your axle capacity and mounting flange bolt pattern. For example, the etrailer.com Electric Trailer Brake Assembly # AKEBRK-35R that you were looking at is a 10 inch x 2-1/4 inch assembly designed for 3,500 pound axles and uses a 4 bolt mounting flange bolt pattern I have attached a great article on adding electric brake assemblies that will break down every item you will need.

expert reply by: Chris R